Bodycam footage details fatal deputy shooting during child exploitation warrant service at a southwest Miami-Dade home

What the newly released video shows

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office body-worn camera footage released this week documents a fatal deputy-involved shooting that occurred during the service of a search warrant tied to a child sexual abuse material investigation in southwest Miami-Dade.

The incident took place on December 2, 2025, when members of the agency’s Special Response Team assisted an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation at a residence in the Palmetto Estates area, near Southwest 155th Street and Southwest 102nd Place. Authorities said the team used an acoustic announcement device and issued repeated commands for the occupants to exit and open the door.

When no one complied, the footage shows deputies breaching the front door. A man, two women and a child are then seen leaving the home and are moved away from the entry area without visible injury.

Shooting sequence and immediate aftermath

Seconds later, the video shows 21-year-old Christopher Barata entering the living room holding a handgun. Two deputies fire their service weapons, striking him. Authorities said deputies attempted to render medical aid until Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arrived, but Barata was pronounced dead at the scene. No deputies were reported injured.

After the shooting, authorities said 25-year-old Cristian Barata, identified as the subject of the search warrant and Christopher Barata’s brother, emerged from inside the home and was taken into custody without incident.

Charges filed in the underlying investigation

Cristian Barata faces a total of 25 charges: 15 counts of possessing images of sexual performance by a child and 10 counts of promoting or attempting to promote sexual performance by a child. Jail records reviewed by the newsroom showed bond had been set at $87,500 at one point during the case’s early court proceedings.

Investigators have described the inquiry as originating from multiple cyber tips that reported suspected child sexual abuse material activity tied to an online account. Authorities have said the investigation spanned more than a year.

Investigations and outstanding questions

The shooting is under independent review by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, following standard procedures for deputy-involved shootings in Florida.

Authorities have publicly described the shooting as a response to an armed individual encountered during the warrant service. They have not publicly detailed whether Christopher Barata was a target of the warrant or what, if any, role he had in the investigation that led to his brother’s arrest.

• Date of incident: December 2, 2025

• Location: Palmetto Estates area of southwest Miami-Dade

• Decedent: Christopher Barata, 21

• Arrested: Cristian Barata, 25, charged with 25 felony counts related to child sexual abuse material

The released footage captures the entry, the evacuation of occupants, the armed appearance of Christopher Barata inside the home, and the rapid gunfire that followed.